Virender Sehwag gives cheeky response on being asked who he backs to win IPL 2025

As the IPL 2025 has reached its final game, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) taking on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the gigantic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, the most asked question has been who will finally break their title jinx. Former India opener and ex-PBKS captain Virender Sehwag came up with a hilarious response when asked who he is backing in the final.

RCB and PBKS are two of the original franchises from the IPL’s inaugural season in 2008, yet neither has won the trophy. RCB have lost three finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, while PBKS fell short in their only final appearance in 2014 against Kolkata Knight Riders. Meanwhile, Sehwag, after being asked about his prediction for the final, revealed an interesting theory behind the team he is supporting.

 "I think RCB will win. I have gone back to my old form because I have seen the team I support tend to lose, be it GT in the match against MI or Punjab Kings in the Qualifier 1 against RCB. Today, I supported MI vs PBKS in qualifier 2; they lost their match. This is also the case with the Indian team. When I openly supported them, they went on to lose that match," Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

The former revealed that whichever team he supports tends to end up on the losing side and indirectly hinted that he is backing PBKS, but is taking RCB's name so that they lose the summit clash. The Bengaluru-based franchise qualified for the final after a clinical win over PBKS in Qualifier 1. Later, in Qualifier 2, Shreyas Iyer led his side to victory over the Mumbai Indians, scheduling a thrilling rematch.

The upcoming final could be historic for RCB as Virat Kohli, who has carried the franchise’s hopes and beliefs for nearly two decades, is just one step away from ending the wait. Meanwhile, PBKS have found their hero in skipper Iyer, who has led from the front.